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TRIAL GROUNDS. 

OF 

SUNSET SEED & PLANT CO., 

SAN FRANCISCO. 

KEY TO FIGURES 

REPRESENTING STANDARD OF ECKFORD'S '96 AND 97 
TRADE INTRODUCTIONS 



*Kig:. 


I - 


-Alice Eckford. 


H?ig. 


2- 


-Countess of Shrewsbury 


*Fig. 


3- 


- Little Dorritt. 


*Ki». 


4- 


- Captivation. 


*FiSf. 


5- 


-Countess of Aberdeen. 


tKiST. 


6- 


- Prima Donna. 


tKiST. 


7- 


- Lovely. 


*KiR. 


8- 


-Mikado. 


tKig. 


9- 


- mars. 


tKijf. 


io- 


- Royal Rose. 


tKig. 


ii- 


-Coquette. 


*Kig. 


12 


-Crown Jewel. 



* Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1896. 
t Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1897. 





>WEET 

Peas 

HSTES PR5jv\ThE 
TRIAL GR2UND5. 

OF 

SUNSET SEED & PLANT CO, 

SAN FRANCISCO. 




KEY TO FIGURES 

REPRESENTING STANDARD OF EGKFORD'S '96 AND 97 
TRADE INTRODUCTIONS 

*Kig. i — Alice Ecltford. 

i fig. 2 — Countess of Shrewsbury. 

* Kijf . 3 — Little Dorritt. 
•Fig. 4 — Capti-vation. 

*Kig. 5 — Countess of Aberdeen. 

IFiR. 6-Frinia Donna. 

1 KiS. 7 — Lovely. 

*Kig. 8 — Miltado. 

tKig. o — Mars. 

IFiR.io-Royal Rose. 

t Fig. ii — Coquette. 

* Fig. 12 — Crown Jewel. 




Fia.lZ. 



SWEET PEA REVIEW 



BY THE 



V 

SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 



H 



SAN FRANCISCO 
1896 



THE MURDOCK PRESS 







A brief, definitely-worded Review of Sweet Peas must prove 
interesting to the horticultural world. Accuracy has been aimed at, 
and our conclusions, derived from the broad plane of practical experi- 
ence gained in our own seed-growing domain, are trustworthy. Copious 
notes and endless comparisons in our fields are here condensed into 
convenient and practical form, and, while not, perhaps, perfect in 
every respect, they will be found peculiarly convenient. It is our 
effort, by co-operation, to still further ennoble the charming Sweet 
Pea, and in pursuance of that end the present little publication, the 
fruit of recreative moments snatched from a busy life, is respectfully 
tendered to flower lovers by the 

Pioneer Sweet Pea Growers of California. 

October, J 896. 



S^ 






COPYRIGHT 1896, 
Q BY THE 

SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 

5°\ 



SWEET PEA REVIEW. 

Arranged in color-groups and classified according to type, the highest grandi- 

flora forms appearing first (other points being equal) in each group; with 

recommendations for the expulsion of the least desirable sorts. 

Critical notes made during Sweet Pea growing season, 1895-6. 



PURE WHITE. 

Blanche Burpee. — Pure white, of superior substance, large, finely 
formed; the true Eckford grandiflora type, producing three 
or four (seldom less) flowers on slender yet strong stems of 
good length. Growth vigorous; a profuse though some- 
what late bloomer, but its lateness is offset by continuity 
of bloom late in the season, and without deterioration — a 
strong point not possessed by all the higher types. Vitality 
of seed, weak at time of introduction, has, through California 
culture, been materially strengthened, and we now find ger- 
mination satisfactory. Deserving of high rank. 

Emily Henderson. — By far the best of the old-type whites; not 
so finely formed as Blanche Burpee; of pure color 
and good substance, bearing two or three (sometimes four) 
medium to large, bold, expanded flowers, on exceptionally 
long, stiff stems. Early, medium vigorous, medium florif- 
erous. Like Blanche Burpee and white-seeded varieties in 
general, its seed was at first of weak germination, but one 
year's growing in California appears to have wholly over- 
come lack of vitality. 



4 SWEET PEA REVIEW. 

Mrs. Sankey. — A black-seeded white of fine form, and, when 
carefully selected, of pure color and remarkable substance, 
equal, if not superior, to any white, but unfortunately inclined, 
under certain conditions, to take on a pinkish hue. Stems 
often have four flowers — rarely less than three; a vigor- 
ous grower; profuse and medium early bloomer. Distinct 
from other whites in its pedicels being of a reddish tint. 

Alba Magnified. — A rather small-flowered white of the old type; 
standards explanate with notched apex; flower of fair sub- 
stance; stems of medium length and rigidity, often producing 
four flowers. An improvement over Queen of England, but 
inferior to the first-named varieties. Medium early. 

Queen of England. — Smallest and poorest of the whites; gen- 
erally bears three-flowered (frequently two-flowered) stems. 
Not a desirable variety, but one showing, by contrast, the won- 
derful advance made in Sweet Peas in the last decade, as 
brought up to the grandiflora type of to-day. 

It is suggested that the three last-named varieties (i. e. Mrs. 
Sankey, Alba Magnifica and Queen of England} be discarded 
from first-class lists, since the first two (i. e. Blanche Burpee 
and Emily Henderson) embody all desirable qualities to be 
found in the Sweet Pea. Growers are recommended to 
concentrate their attention on the still further improvement 
of the two whites named. 

APPRO ACHING SHADES OP YEL,L,OW. 

Mrs. Eckford. — Of perfect form, not quite so hooded as Blanche 
Btirpee; color delicate primrose tint, most effective when 
bunched. Stems often four-flowered, but shows to better 
advantage, we think, when three-flowered. Medium early; 
a good grower, not quite so profuse as Primrose, but in every 
other way its superior. Cannot be too highly recommended. 



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SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 5 

Primrose. — Inferior to Mrs. Eckford, in form principally, the 
objectionable notch on standard being more or less promi- 
nent. Standards explanate, sometimes slightly reflexed; size 
medium large. Perhaps a shade deeper than Mrs. Eckford, 
but by careful selection we believe a deeper tint can be 
obtained for Mrs. Eckford, and as it already possesses good 
form, we would suggest the expulsion of Primrose as soon as 
this is accomplished. 

SHADES OF PI]*K:. 

■\Prima Donna. — If one season's growing be a criterion, we 
would accord this variety first place among pinks. A large, 
perfect flower, of elegantly hooded form, and finely propor- 
tioned; a shade deeper than Royal Robe, but of clearer color 
and of best substance. Stems three and four-flowered, in 
almost equal proportions. Vines of a spreading habit — the 
secret, perhaps, in part at least, of its perfect development. 
A good grower, fairly profuse; medium early. 

Blushing Beauty. ) — Closely allied and of equal worth; color rich, 

Royal Robe. ) yet delicate blush-pink, blending with faintest 

lilac, barely noticeable in the latter variety. Of good size and 
improved hooded form. Stems slender and of good length, 
generally bearing three flowers; medium early and prolific. 

f Lovely. — We are not yet ready to place this ahead of the two 
preceding varieties, though it possesses qualities found in 
no other Sweet Pea tried by us. A shade deeper than Prima 
Donna, wings of a delicate rose, lightly suffused at the throat 
of standard and at base of wings, gradually softening toward 
the margins, the whole fading as the flower ages. Remark- 
able in the high percentage of its four-flowered stems, which 
are extra long. Flowers inclined to double, which we con- 



Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1897. 



6 SWEET PEA REVIEW. 

sider a serious defect; but experience has shown us that such 
tendencies may appear in one generation only, or, rather, 
not appear a second season. 

Mrs. Gladstone— & meritorious variety, and one of the best 
of its type. In its prime a delicate, rich rose-pink, of good 
size, standard nearly round and explanate, with rather a 
prominent suture, slightly deeper in tint, running down its 
center; stems long and slender, usually three-flowered and 
well arranged. Early to medium-early flowering; a very 
profuse bloomer. Slightly marred in California by our hot 
sun, which sometimes impairs substance as season advances; 
while, on the other hand, a few days of cold weather induce 
new and generous blooming. 

Katherine Tracy. — Evidently a selection from Mrs. Gladstone; 
an improvement over that variety in size, but at the sacri- 
fice of one flower per stem, only two as a rule appearing, 
which gives boldness of character, but, we think, detracts 
from its gracefulness; however, its broad, expanded standard 
sets off its bright, rich pink to fine advantage. As soon as 
developed to average three flowers on a stem, Katherine 
Tracy will probably supersede Mrs. Gladstone, the former 
being, in our opinion, of better substance. 

Isa Eckford— Smaller flowered than Mrs. Gladstone, shading 
between it and Peach Blossom, both of which are its superior. 
Because of its tendency to sunburn during the hight of sum- 
mer, we would recommend discarding it. 

SHADES OE ROSE. 

Lady Penzance. — Color a rare and beautiful tint of delicate rose; 
standards large and well formed, the silken, thread-like lacing 
adding not a little to its elegance. Produces long stems, 
usually three- (sometimes four-) flowered; a good grower and 
abundant bloomer; medium early. Unfortunately, its delicate 



SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 7 

color suffers under a hot sun, but a slight protection at noon- 
day may partly overcome this fault. 

Ovid. — A fit companion to Lady Penzance, possessing all its good 
qualities, and, in addition, holding its color better. A rich 
rose color, retained unfadingly throughout the season. Stan- 
dards hooded in such a manner as to give the apex a more 
pointed appearance than in Lady Penzance. 

Her Majesty. — For size and general good qualities this variety 
takes high rank. A large, clear rose pink, shaded crimson, 
of improved form, bearing three or four well-arranged flowers 
on each of its long stems, very uniform and vigorous, and pro- 
fuse in its growth and blooming qualities. 

Splendor. — Similar to Her Majesty, but a pale shade, deeper and 
not so bright colored, nor flowers quite as large, though well 
formed. A free bloomer, of vigorous growth; but, on account 
of its great similarity to Her Majesty, it is not needed. We 
recommend its elimination. 

Novelty. — Brings us back to older type, with explanate standards, 
slightly notched at apex, size medium large. Color, bright 
rose, suffused with just a little orange, wings shading to rose 
mauve, margined with purer rose. Not a tall grower, but 
vigorous, and a good bloomer. 

Miss Hunt. — Similar to the preceding in size and form; a shade 
paler, assuming more of a pinkish cast. Medium early. Could 
well be spared because we have Novelty, its superior. 

Adonis. — Even less desirable than Miss Hunt — always small and 
inferior in form; substance poor, sunburns and becomes dis- 
torted on small provocation. Although early and a free 
bloomer, we believe it should by all means be discarded be- 
cause of its impoverished character. 

Oddity. — We place at the end of rose shades because we are not 
yet ready to give it position. It seems to have only color to 
recommend it — rose carmine, prevailing, however, in better 



8 SWEET PEA REVIEW. 

forms. Its short, thick stems and irregularly rolled and fluted 
standards and wings are insufficient in departure to give it 
prominence as an oddity, nor has it with us held true a fair 
per cent. Stems three or four-flowered; a quite profuse 
bloomer; medium early; foliage pleasing deep green; a rather 
dwarf grower. 

SHADES OF SCARL.ET. 

Firefly.— Foremost of the brilliant scarlets, which, thus far, have 
not been fashioned to the improved hooded form of the true 
grandiflora type. A bold, expanded flower, with erect, almost 
round standards of good size. Color intensely brilliant scarlet 
self; stems three-flowered, and of good length; not a tall 
grower, but fairly profuse bloomer. 

Cardinal.— Probably the parent of Firefly. Not so large or well 
formed; standards inclined to reflex, and sometimes assume 
an ugly, marbled appearance along the inner upper margin. 
Stems three or four-flowered; medium early; very vigorous. 
Not needed, because Firefly is similar, and preferable. 

Scarlet Invincible. — Flowers small to medium; scarlet standards, 
wings tinged with rose; medium, vigorous, and fairly profuse. 
Should be discarded. 

SHADES OF CRIMSON. 

f Mars.— Most intense and best formed of all the reds. A gorgeous 
flower, of large size and perfect form. (See Fig. 9, which 
shows its regular outline.) A deep, pure crimson in its prime, 
deepening with age to deep purple; stems long and slender, 
bearing gracefully three or four flowers. A strong grower, 
medium early, and one of the most liberal bloomers of Eck- 
ford's latest introductions. 



Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1897, 



SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 9 

Ignea. — Before the advent of Mars this variety properly headed 
the list of its color-class. All the general characteristics 
attributed to Mars apply to Ignea, from which it is evidently a 
careful selection; like Mars, it successfully resists the hottest 
sun, and, were it not for the presence of its more recent and 
meritorious rival, we would favor its retention. 

SHADES RANGING BETWEEN SCARLET AND CRIMSON. 

Princess Victoria. — A good flower, with broad, open standards; 
three flowers on average stems; light scarlet standards; wings 
shading to crimson; the whole more or less suffused with 
rose; medium early and vigorous; abundant bloomer. 

Duchess of Edinburgh. — Similar but inferior to Princess Victoria, 
both in size and substance, showing objectionable marbling, 
especially along the upper margins. Season of bloom rather 
short. We recommend its expulsion. 

SHADES OF MAUVE (BLUISH). 

Celestial. — We are confident will be approved by all lovers of this 
shade. In our trials, it has proven itself foremost in delicacy 
of tint and generosity of form. Its early blooms were not so 
striking, but, as the season advanced, its perfect form and 
pure azure-blue became more and more pronounced, until all 
traces of the pinkish-mauve appearing in the bud disappeared. 
Stems long and slender, generally producing three (some- 
times four) flowers per stem. Medium vigorous and free 
flowering; medium early. 

Princess May.— Hot as delicate as Celestial, nor as large as 
Countess of Radnor, but holds its color better. Of good sub- 
stance; medium-sized flowers, of more or less hooded form,, 
often bearing four-flowered stems, which are of medium! 
length. Medium late; otherwise of good habit. 



IO SWEET PEA REVIEW. 

Countess of Radnor. — Of shade deeper than the preceding, and 
inclined to take on a reddish or light purple tint on the one 
hand, while on the other its rich mauve fades in streaks, giving 
it an ashy-striped appearance, not at all attractive. The past 
season, however, seems to have been especially favorable 
for choice bloom, since both in trial grounds and in general 
culture the type has been excellent. Vigorous in growth; a 
medium free bloomer; season of bloom intermediate. 

It may not be out of place to here state that a twenty- 
foot test row sown the past season to seed from Eckford's 
original packets produced bloom inferior to California selected 
stock, whole plants from Eckford's seed in some cases very 
closely approaching Dorothy Tennant in tint. 

SHADES OF REDDISH MAUVE. 

Emily Eckford.—ln size and form like Countess of Radnor, but 
of a distinct purplish mauve, usually described as a reddish 
mauve; of good substance when carefully grown, and as it 
ages it approaches blue. A vigorous grower and good 
bloomer, usually producing three perfect flowers on extra 
long stems; quite early blooming. 

Dorothy Tennant — Very similar to the above, not quite so hooded, 
a shade deeper, and becomes darker with age. One of the 
longest to continue in bloom in our trials, showing no deterior- 
ation to the last, though in some seasons it has approached 
Countess of Radnor ; from which it is evidently a color 
variation. 

MAGENTA SHADING. 

* Captivation. — A new self-shade. Magenta, very delicately 
suffused with purple; of good size; form to our idea not perfect; 
standards shell-shaped, as described by originator, which we 



* Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1896. 



SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. II 

take to mean like a saucer, with slightly detorted surface, 
giving the edge an irregular outline. (See Fig. 4.) As the 
season advanced, the bloom improved in size and substance, 
adding much to its credit. Sketch represented in Fig. 4 
was made in mid-season, before blooms had reached their 
best. Not a tall grower, but a profuse bloomer, bearing usually 
three (sometimes two) flowers, on long stems. Medium early. 

SHADES APPROACHING BLUE. 

Captain of the Blues. (Synonym Grand Blue.) — This, to our 
mind, most nearly approaches a true blue in general effect. 
On first opening, it is easily mistaken for Waverly, though it 
has a slightly more bluish cast, which gradually develops 
until about the third day, when it reaches its prime. A large 
flowering variety, producing three or four flowers, on good 
stems. Very vigorous; free bloomer: medium early. 

CLARET SHADES. 

Duke of Clarence. — First-class, ranking with the best in size and 
substance. Color, deep rose-claret, bordering on the maroon, 
of Stanley shading — not so intense; but larger and better 
formed. Stems often extra long, producing three or four 
flowers, sometimes rather closely arranged. A vigorous 
grower; early to medium-early; produces an abundance of 
bloom. 

Monarch. — In shading and form, approaches Waverly, but is 
much darker. We recognize a tinge of indigo, with a slight 
bronze effect on standard; wings of velvety purple. Avery 
vigorous grower, producing three , (sometimes four) flowers, 
on good long stems. With us it has proved an exception- 
ally profuse bloomer. Medium early. 

Indigo King. — Has a shade or two more of indigo than Mon- 
arch, which makes it darker, especially the wings. Sides of 



12 SWEET PEA REVIEW. 

standard deeply sinuated, as in Butterfly, causing the upper 
half of standard to hood. Should, in our opinion, be dis- 
carded. 
Purple Prince. — Standards purple, shaded maroon; wings mauve, 
lightly suffused with purple. Old type; medium large; ex- 
panded (sometimes reflexed) standards. A very profuse 
bloomer, bearing three or four flowers on long stems; late 
blooming, but vigorous. Its color does not commend it. We 
would recommend its expulsion. 

SHADES OF DEEP MAROON. 

Stanley — Darkest and most intense of all Sweet Peas. Deepest 
burnt carmine; standards glossy, finely laced with deeper 
shade; wings velvety, shading to purple-lake; expanded form; 
standards large to very large, sometimes measuring thirty-five 
millimetres across ; broad, almost circular; explanate. A fine, 
bold flower, producing long, slender, usually three-flowered 
stems; pedicels tinted deep maroon, long, setting flowers 
well out from stem; calyx large and free, more prominent 
than in other varieties. A good grower and free bloomer; 
early to medium early. 

We are at a loss to know why this variety is generally de- 
scribed as a maroon, of which color we find no trace in our 
blooms, excepting on the outer side of pedicel. 

Boreatton. — From which Stanley is a careful selection, differs from 
it only in form, the standards being more or less reflexed 
laterally, which gites them a narrow, elongated appearance; 
shade perhaps not quite so dark as Stanley, especially in the 
wings. Produces three or four flowered stems of good length. 
A profuse bloomer, early to medium early. A good flower 
in its day, but not needed, now that we have Stanley — and for 
such a reasonable price. 



SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 13 

DISTINCT BLENDINGS. 

* Crown Jewel. ) —These beautiful varieties from among Eckford's 
t Coquette. ) latest novelties, not yet given to the American 
public, we consider two of his grandest creations, the rare 
and delicate blendings, fine form and large size, being in no 
other variety so fully developed. We especially admire the 
soft, quiet tones in the surface-coloring. Crown Jewel we 
have placed first, though it is difficult to choose between the 
two sorts. Standards delicate creamy rose, deepest on the 
dorsal surface, and at its suture on the inner surface; a slight 
clouded effect is noticeable when the flower is in its prime, 
carrying with it a trace of violet. The wings a delicate, yet 
rich, creamy blush, suffused with a pronounced primrose 
tint. Its three (sometimes four) flowers are finely arranged 
on long, slender stems. Foliage unusually large, and deep 
green; a vigorous grower and profuse bloomer, but, unfor- 
tunately, a variety that will require, like other thoroughbreds, 
very careful handling to hold true to type. Coquette's color is 
a delicate creamy flesh with a faint purplish rose tinge in 
standard; wings rich creamy primrose. A strong, vigorous 
grower, usually producing extra-long three-flowered stems. 

For types of standard of these two varieties, the reader is 
referred to Figs, n and 12 which show their true grandi- 
flora form, the one hooded and the other expanded. 
Venus.— Another variety of rich, delicate blendings— a mingling 
of pink, salmon and rose-buff, difficult to describe faithfully. 
Flowers large and finely formed; standards very much in- 
rolled, at times even more so than Fig. 6; flowers gracefully 
borne in threes or fours, on long slender stems; a very vigor- 
ous grower, blooming abundantly; medium early. Its only 



* Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1896. 
t Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1897. 



14 SWEET PEA REVIEW. 

drawback is its inclination to run into a delicate pink, border- 
ing on Blushing Beauty or Royal Robe, but generally not until 
past mid-season. 

* Countess of Aberdeen. — In giving this '96 novelty of Eckford's 
this position, we do not refer to the general stock as it came 
from his original packages, but to the very small percentage 
(less than 10%) which grew true to description. This variety 
is of rather novel shading. A very pale pink, edged with 
delicate rose, of good size and form, and an attractive depar- 
ture when at its best, but one we believe hard to hold to its 
true type, for we have several times selected a similar sport, 
to lose it following seasons. 

Eliza Eckford. — Deserves high rank, because of its refined gen- 
eral make-up; of good size and form; the standards flaked 
and suffused with a delicate rose, deeper on the reverse side; 
wings lightly blushed. Generally bears three flowers, some- 
times four, on good, long stems. Vigorous, profuse, and 
early. 

Apple Blossom. — Like Eliza Eckford, except that its tint is a 
shade or two deeper and more evenly spread; wings as deli- 
cate as Eliza Eckford. A fine, large, hooded flower, borne 
in threes or fours on long, strong stems, which sometimes 
come double, when they produce five, six, seven and even 
eight blossoms, — a freak of nature we have never succeeded 
in causing a repetition of, but which quite frequently dupli- 
cates itself on its own account. We do not consider this 
doubling a desirable feature. 

f Royal Rose. — The last and deepest-tinted of the three varieties 
just named, is a beautiful, large, almost self-colored flower, 
very much on the plan of the two preceding, — the three form- 
ing a perfect series of elegant gradations. Flower a rich, 



* Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1896. 
t Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1897. 



SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 15 

rose-pink, barred on standards with deeper rose, deepest- 
tinted on center of reverse of standard, and becoming gradu- 
ally lighter towards the margins; wings a softer hue; bears 
three or four flowered stems of good length and sub- 
stance. A free bloomer and vigorous grower; medium early. 
One that, like many others of Eckford's creations, will require 
careful selection to keep up to type, being more or less in- 
clined to run into a deep rose-self as the season advances. 

Lady Beacons field. — A distinct and pleasing blending, difficult to 
describe. We can do no better than use the originator's de- 
scription, which, however, does not convey a satisfactory idea 
of its truetintings: "Standards salmon, tinted with rose "; to 
which we would add: a suspicion of purplish pink, most 
noticeable in center of standard, laced and netted in delicate 
relief; wings a pronounced creamy primrose-yellow of fine 
substance, old form; standards of medium-to-large size. A 
vigorous grower, profuse; medium early. 

^Countess of Shrewsbury. Of same general plan as the preced- 
ing. Flowers, with expanded old-form standards ; apex 
notched; of medium to medium-large size. A blending of 
pink and purple, difficult to describe; wings shading to pink, 
faintly suffused with lilac; stems three-flowered, rarely four, 
a strong grower and abundant bloomer; medium early. We 
cannot say that this variety has especially impressed us this 
first season, and we place it after Lady Beaconsfield for the 
present. 

Bronze King. — Not only lacks form, but size as well, and is quite 
an ordinary flower all around. Standards reddish coppery 
bronze, but lacking the brilliancy needed to render such a 
tint effective; of poor substance, and inclined to sun-burn in 



t Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1897. 



16 SWEET PEA REVIEW. 

hot weather. A vigorous grower, moderately profuse. A little 
later than the average. We think it can well be spared from 
our lists. 

Peach Blossom. — Has always appeared to us a pleasing variety. 
Of medium large size; of the older type; standards rich 
creamy pink, with a whitish flake or cloud in the upper half, 
just pronounced enough to be noticed; wings a softer pink, 
shading to delicate carmine immediately at the throat; gener- 
ally bears three-flowered stems of good length. An average 
grower and fair bloomer. 

* Alice Eckford. — Our first year's growing of this variety leads us 
to consider it, in its present stage, unworthy of introduction. 
With us it has proven anything but striking. Its rich, deli- 
cate (apricot, perhaps it may be called) coloring is a pleas- 
ing departure, it is true, but with such utter disregard for 
size and form, we do not believe it will become popular, and 
we think it would be well for Mr. Eckford to give it added size 
and better form, else we had better withdraw it from our lists. 
It is early blooming, but first to finish flowering; in fact, its 
season with us has been shorter than that of any other variety 
in our trial grounds. A very profuse bloomer while it lasts; 
moderately vigorous; early. Figure i shows reverse side of 
standard with its prominent, looped apex folding laterally, 
as in Delight. We trust that another season may show it up 
to better advantage. 

Crown Princess of Prussia. — A fit companion to the preceding, 
and, like it, of small size and poor form, though its coloring 
is exquisite; a very light ground, suffused, in delicate grada- 
tions, with a creamy pink, ranging from a soft tint at the 
margins to a much deeper hue at the throat, an admixture of 



* Eckford's Trade Introductions for 1896. 



SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 1 7 

pink and salmon difficult to describe; but its small surface 
shows it at a great disadvantage. Deserving of attention to 
bring to a better size in standard; wings normal. Medium, 
vigorous, profuse; medium early. 
Lottie Eckford — brings us to another color-class, "with porcelain 
effect," as some one has well described it. White ground, 
lightly suffused with heliotrope, deepest near the margins, 
the edges of both standard and wings a clear, deep heliotrope- 
blue, setting off the whole with splendid effect; of fine hooded 
form and good size; stems usually three-flowered and of 
good length; a vigorous grower and abundant bloomer; earlier 
than the average. 
Butterfly.— Edged like Lottie Eckford, but showing less tint in 
standards and wings— almost white. Its sinuous standards, 
as in Indigo King, though very objectionable in other varie- 
ties, in this case are quite acceptable, because of peculiar 
coloring, and makes the name most appropriate. Stems 
usually three -flowered; a vigorous grower and abundant 
bloomer; season of bloom intermediate. 
Violet Queen. (Synonym Princess Louise.) — Pink standards, 
veined with purple rose; wings heliotrope; round, erect; medi- 
um-sized standards; rarely seen at its best, because of poor 
substance; easily affected by hot sun, which bleaches and de- 
torts the flower much, and for this reason we recommend its 
expulsion from the lists. 
Captain Clark.— One of the few tri-colored varieties. Though 
not an elegant flower, we admire it for its unique markings * 
White ground, delicately blushed with carmine-pink, lightest 
towards the margin; beginning at the throat and running par- 
allel with the mid-suture, are finely penciled lines of deepest 
purple, gradually changing to deep carmine, which need close 
examination to detect their full beauty. Wings large, edged 
with clear blue, as in Lottie Eckford, lessening as it goes 



l8 SWEET PEA REVIEW. 

into the body of wings. A vigorous grower, and one of the 
most profuse bloomers we have; usually bears three-flowered 
stems. Medium early. 

Delight. — Medium to small-flowered; wings almost as large as 
standard; the whole a faint pinkish- white blush, with suture 
of standard made prominent by its soft carmine tint; also 
noticeable along upper edge of standard, thence running 
along suture on reverse side; the odd fold and lap in top of 
standard, noted in Alice Eckford, is especially prominent in 
this variety. Vigorous, moderately profuse and quite early, 
somewhat inclined to sunburn in our climate, and for that 
reason, it would perhaps be well to discard it. 

Meteor. — An improvement in size over Orange Prince, from which 
it is probably a selection; standards a rich, bright orange- 
salmon; wings of a pinkish hue; a fine flower at its best, but 
more or less affected by too hot sun. When grown in the 
partial shade of trees, which brings it to perfection in slow 
stages, we have noted extra large standards, which showed 
inclination to hood; and with such form once attained, with 
added substance, Meteor will stand well up in the list. Usu- 
ally three-flowered stems, well arranged. A vigorous grower; 
moderately profuse; medium early. 

Orange Prince. — We have noted flowers equal to the preceding, 
though averaging smaller. Like its offspring, of remarkable 
rich coloring; standards form almost a true circle, and expla- 
nate. The fine, delicate lacing on standards is worthy of 
notice. General habit of Meteor. 

Rising Sun. — Like all of the Laxton type, this variety is of small 
size and of rather dwarf growth, but we see much to admire 
in the general effect of some of the intense colorings. Small, 
round, explanate standards; a delicate gradation of brightest 
carmine and orange, suffused with rose, of soft tone, deepest 
at the throat, and becoming fainter toward the edges, until it 



SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 19 

assumes a pale, creamy-white tint; the wings of lighter shade, 
sometimes tinged with rose. Should be closely inspected to 
be appreciated. Moderately profuse. We regret it sunburns 
easily. 

Etna. — Flowers medium to small; same form as Rising Sun; an 
intense, clouded garnet, shining in the sunlight, and becom- 
ing lighter towards the upper edge. Usually three-flowered, 
on slender, rather short stems; a dwarf grower; bloom rather 
spare; medium early to medium late. Not a desirable variety, 
though its shadings are interesting. 

Vesuvius. — Comes between Etna and Carmen Sylva; a more pro- 
fuse bloomer than either, and tints of more flaked appearance, 
a coloring not popular in dark sorts. Medium vigorous; very 
profuse; a rather late bloomer. We think it might well be 
spared from our lists, especially if Etna and Carmen Sylva be 
retained. 

Carmen Sylva. — Another tri-colored variety, perhaps the least 
popular of Laxton's introductions, because of lack of har- 
mony in its coloring, and because of its small size; to which 
defects may be added a deeply notched standard, more or 
less reflexed. Color an admixture of garnet, purple and car- 
mine in standard, deepest at the throat; wings lavender-blue. 
An odd coloring, but not generally liked. 

CONTRASTING SHADES. 
(Standards and wings in separate tints.) 

*LUtle Dorritt.— Much as we have always appreciated Blanche 
Ferry } and still do so, we consider this new comer slightly its 
superior in elegance; the tone in standard seems to us clearer, 
comparing as a fine steel engraving to a good wood-cut, if 



* Ecltford's Trade Introductions for 1856. 



20 SWEET PEA REVIEW. 

such a parallel may here be applied. Standards large, broad 
and expanded, notched at apex; color, a sharp, crisp car- 
mine-pink; wings well-proportioned, almost white; suffused 
very lightly with a delicate pink, hardly noticeable until the 
season advances. Stems long and slender, usually three- 
flowered and well set apart, which shows them off to good 
advantage. Remarkable for its long season of bloom, at this 
date (September 15th), perfect flowers still remaining without 
irrigation at any time, while all our other varieties are now 
harvested. Its weak point this season was the poor germina- 
tion of the original Eckford seed, but this shortcoming, we 
have no doubt, has been overcome by one season's growing 
by us, as has been the case with similar varieties before this. 
Not a tall grower, but vigorous and moderately profuse; 
medium early. 

Blanche Ferry (Synonyms Blushing Bride and Improved Painted 
Lady).— Will always be popular, because of its general good 
qualities. The earliest of all varieties, excepting the " Extra 
Early" (early culls from early stock); showed fully opened 
flowers April 27th, without any special attention, the earliest 
other varieties being a full week later. Standards a pale 
shade deeper than Little Dorrilt, and not quite as large; 
wings almost pure white, sometimes shading to light or pur- 
plish pink. Stems usually three-flowered, and of good 
length and strength. Its dwarf growth is gradually giving 
place to taller vines. Very vigorous with us, and a profuse 
bloomer; extra early, showing buds April 15th, with a little 
extra attention. 

Extra Early Blanche Ferry. — In our trials has proven itself by 
far the earliest flowering Sweet Pea. Our first blooms appeared 
March 25th, from seed sown the latter part of December, 
making it a month earlier than any other variety, under the 
same conditions. Although germinating well, the young 



SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 21 

plants appeared to have a rather weak, spindly growth, some 
making but a single shoot, twelve to eighteen inches tall, and 
then beginning to flower; but, as the season advanced, and 
assisted by a good rain, the vines began throwing-out laterals, 
which, considering their earliness, bore abundant bloom 
eventually. On heavier soil, when they began blooming a 
week later, they made a moderately vigorous growth from 
the beginning, and bloomed profusely. Color and form 
identical with Blanche Ferry. A good variety, worthy of 
retention. 

Duke of York. — On the plan of the preceding; standards deeper 
in color; wings of a pinkish tint, lightly suffused with prim- 
rose and pale purple. Not so large as Blanche Ferry; stand- 
ards slightly reflexed, which gives them an elongated 
appearance; wings large and spreading. Stems of good 
length, usually three - flowered (sometimes four); medium 
vigorous; moderately profuse. In bloom May 16th, which 
we regard as medium early. Sufficiently distinct from other 
pink-and-whites to render it worthy of culture. 

Empress of India. — Very similar to Blanche Ferry, but considera- 
bly later. A good grower and profuse bloomer. 

Painted Lady (synonym Nellie Jaynes). — Flowers not so broad 
and expanded as Blanche Ferry. Standards inclined to 
reflex. The most vigorous grower and profuse bloomer of 
its class. We believe that the two last-named varieties can 
readily be spared. 

VARIEGATED SORTS. 

Mrs. foseph Chamberlain. — Of extra fine form and large size, 
possessing all the best qualities of habit, etc. Color: ground 
white, heavily striped and flaked with deep, clear rose; of 
good substance; varies slightly in strength of markings, some 
being more heavily striped and others not quite so much so 



22 SWEET PEA REVIEW. 

as the perfect type; stems extra long, three or four-flowered, 
finely arranged. The deep rose-tint in the calyx and pedicel 
we think adds much to the general harmony. One of our most 
vigorous growers and profuse bloomers; blooming season 
long. Medium early. Par excellence. 

Mikado. — Probably a selection from Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain, it 
having many points in common with that variety and we also 
having last year selected its identical markings from Mrs. 
Joseph Chamberlain. Markings just the reverse of Chamber- 
lain — that is, the deep rose predominates — presenting the ap- 
pearance of rose ground with white stripes instead of white 
ground with rose stripes. We like this variety, but it must 
become thoroughly fixed before it will be generally approved. 
With us this year it ran less than twenty per cent, true, the 
remainder being in about equal proportions of Mrs. Joseph 
Chamberlain and Ovid. The head-piece in sketch "A 
Modern Type " gives a fair idea of its form. 

Ramona. — Has proven itself worthy of high rank; a large, per- 
fectly-formed flower, of fine substance and attractive mark- 
ings which closely resemble Duchess of York, of which it is 
probably a hooded form. It appears thoroughly fixed, the 
fault with Duchess of York being its inclination under certain 
influences to run to an almost pure white. Color a creamy 
white ground, delicately striped and barred with a soft pinkish 
purple, these markings more prominent in some bloom than 
others. Stems long and .strong, three or four-flowered. A 
vigorous grower and profuse bloomer. Medium early. 

Senator. — A fine, large, dark-striped flower; bold, yet finely 
formed. Standards white ground, heavily striped with choco- 
late and some little purple. A striking flower with three to 
four blooms on extra long stems. A very vigorous grower, 
bearing an immense amount of bloom. Medium early. 



SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 23 

Gray Friar. — A flower distinct in color and markings, and of 
good size and form; the general effect is gray, and with its fine 
speckled "pepper-and-salt" variegations, it is certainly odd 
and attractive. A small percentage runs to Senator, which 
fault continued careful selection will overcome. A good 
grower and abundant bloomer. 

Duchess of York. — Stands high in our estimation though it lacks 
the hooded form now so popular. It has perhaps the broadest 
expanse of standards of any variety, specimens measuring 
thirty-eight millimeters in diameter at the broadest point. 
Creamy white ground, delicately flaked and striped with soft 
pinkish-purple; elegant and refined. Stems long and strong, 
usually three-flowered. A good grower and free bloomer. 
Medium early. 

Juanita. — Of good size and form, but we do not especially admire 
its "washed-out" appearance. Its pale mauve or lavender 
stripes on light ground are not distinct enough to give it indi- 
viduality. It looks very much like a striped variety familiar 
to us for several seasons, into which Countess of Radnor has 
been deteriorating, and like it varies considerably in its de- 
grees of color, and is in that regard unreliable. A vigorous 
grower, usually bearing three flowers on stem, but sometimes 
only two. Medium early. 

Gaiety. — Was classed high among the striped varieties previous to 
the advent of Mrs. Joseph Chamberlain. Much lighter than 
Chamberlain in effect, because of scantiness of stripes which 
are bright, rosy lilac, most prominent in center of standard 
and almost lost toward the side margins; ground white, 
stems long and stiff, three or four-flowered; a vigorous grower 
and free bloomer; medium early. Like most of the striped 
variegations, it varies slightly in the intensity of its darker color. 

Daybreak. — Standards old-type, with more or less prominent 
notch in apex; of good size, broad and explanate, with deli- 



24 SWEET PEA REVIEW. 

cate veinings of bright scarlet lake and carmine finely woven 
into narrow, wavy rays, and set one above the other; ground 
white, and most exposed along the margin. Reverse side of 
standard more intense and with less detail. Wings white, 
penciled with carmine towards the inner edges. A vigorous 
upright grower, bearing good stems ; usually three, some- 
times only two-flowered; a free bloomer. Medium early. 

America. — A crimson-scarlet, irregularly striped variety, running 
to nearly solid color along the suture in the standards, the 
white ground showing most toward either side. Wings a 
clearer carmine, striped. Form old-type; medium large; 
explanate standards. Inclined to run to Queen of the Isles, 
from which it is probably a selection. The better blooms are 
attractive, but America must be carefully grown to distinguish 
it from the parent stock, which is more evenly marked. A 
good grower and bloomer. Medium early. 

Red and White Striped. — Form and size similar to the preceding, 
but a more distinctly striped variety,— -crimson-scarlet on 
white ground. Stems usually three-flowered. One of the 
most profuse bloomers we have; very vigorous and medium 
early. 

Queen of the Isles. — Old type, red and white variegated, varying 
considerably in the intensity of its markings, — some flowers 
being very finely and closely striped and spattered, others 
delicately penciled, producing the watered effect found in 
Daybreak, and some again being deeply blotched and striped, 
as in America. The reverse of standard heavily clouded; 
wings but lightly striped. A good grower and free bloomer, 
but proves in our trials one of the latest to come into flower 
(May 23d). We consider it a superfluous variety, if the sev- 
eral similar sorts be retained. 

Princess of Wales. — Is not intentionally placed toward the end 
of the list. Of excellent form and size. If grouped as to 



SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 25 

shadings, this variety rightly belongs next to Senator, which 
it more or less closely resembles; its color, however, is con- 
siderably lighter, the so-called chocolate shadings being re- 
placed by purplish-mauve stripes. A vigorous grower and 
profuse bloomer; stems usually bearing three, sometimes 
four, flowers; peduncles of good length. We believe that 
Senator embodies all that is desirable in this unpopular 
shading, hence we recommend the expulsion of Princess of 

Wales. 

DEPARTURES. 

Cupid (departure in habit of growth). — Perfectly dwarf, hugging 
the ground very closely; height of vine, five to eight inches; 
a single plant spreading over an area ten to eighteen inches in 
diameter. Its procumbent stems (using the term stems in its 
proper sense) are thick and closely jointed, branching at fre- 
quent intervals, each lateral bearing three to a dozen or more 
short, stiff, usually three, sometimes four, flowered peduncles, 
three to four inches in length. Foliage dense, and deep- 
green; leaflets small; tendrils stubby. Flowers pure white 
and of good substance, much resembling Emily Henderson, 
but not quite as large. A vigorous, compact grower, very 
floriferous, showing in the height of season more flower than 
foliage. Began blooming May 23d; the early flowers, how- 
ever, dropping badly. A few are in bloom at date of writing 
(September 15th), without having been irrigated. Pot- 
culture of Cupid, in our experience, has proven a failure; but 
out-doors its growth is satisfactory. 

.Red Riding-hood (departure in form of flower). — In striking con- 
trast to the above is our own introduction for 1897. In this 
variety we have a fixed type, and an absolutely new departure 
in form. When fully developed, the standard and wings are 
a pleasing rosy pink, shading to blush-white at the calyx; the 
keel, which is almost completely enveloped, being nearly 



26 SWEET PEA REVIEW. 

/ 

pure white. Although unusually robust in habit, it is early- 
flowering, and in plenitude and continuity of bloom it excels 
all other existing sorts. The standard is diminutive, and 
peculiarly convoluted, forming a hood around the wings, 
which protrude in wavy form, lending a novel and pleasing 
character to the flower. The fragrance surpasses, in a marked 
degree, that of other varieties of Sweet Peas. The length 
and rigidity of the stems are remarkable, some stems the 
past season having run eighteen inches long and over; and, 
when cut, the stem and bloom retain their stability for a much 
longer period than other sorts. 



SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 2^ 



A NEW CLASSIFICATION. 



The classification of Sweet Peas under types of form instead 
of into color-groups has been advocated, and is in accord with 
our own views; but such a change presents many difficulties, since 
forms vary quite as much as color-shadings. We think, however, 
that an accurate average can much more clearly and faithfully be 
represented by form than by color. We offer a suggestion in the 
accompanying Figures, representing the standards of the Eckford 
'96 and '97 sets, as described in the notes. An average of the 
largest and most perfect standards was selected, and, laying 
it down naturally, inner or front side uppermost, a circle was care- 
fully drawn around it, just touching the extreme edges, and within 
this circle an accurate outline drawing was made of each type, 
showing at a glance (and more clearly, we think, than possible by 
any other means,) the relative size and form of each standard. 

The diameter of the circles is thirty-eight millimeters, or a 
trifle over one and one-half inches, and is the true grandiflora 
size, as we understand it. We have measured exceptionally large 
standards, and found them forty millimeters in diameter. 

To illustrate what is (as we understand it) a perfect type, we 
have sketched "a modern type," which represents a side view of 
an average flower of Mikado (see headpiece). It will be noticed 
the furthest projections of standard wings keel and calyx exactly 
touch the circle of thirty-eight millimeters diameter— an interest- 
ing coincidence, and one which may assist us in a new classifi- 
cation. 

It is not intended that the few sketches here shown cover the 
whole field, since, as before stated, no two varieties are of exactly 
the same form; but, for the present, we will say that these repre- 
sent twelve types, according to which all the varieties in our list 
may be grouped as follows: — 



28 



SWEET PEA REVIEW. 



Fig. I 



I Adonis — without loop in apex. 
Alba Magnified — without loop in apex, but with notch. 
Alice Eckford — from which sketch was made. 
America — without loop, but with notch averaging larger. 
Boreatton — with loop (slightly), and notch elongated. 
Bronze King — without loop, but with notch. 
Capt Clark — without loop, but with notch, and larger. 
Cardinal — without loop, but with notch somewhat elon- 
gated. 
Carmen Sylva — without loop, but with notch same size. 
Crown Princess of Prussia — without loop, but with notch 

same size. 
Cupid — without loop, but with notch and broader. 
Daybreak — without loop, but with notch larger and 

broader. 
Delight — as near alike as two peas can be. 
Duchess of Edinburgh — without loop, but with notch in 

apex larger. 
Duke of York — without loop, but with notch in apex 

larger and elongated. 
Empress of India — with loop (slightly) and with notch in 

apex. 
Etna— without loop, but with notch in apex. 
Fairy Queen — without loop, but with notch in apex. 
Invincible Scarlet — without loop, but with notch in apex. 
Isa Eckford— with slight loop, and with notch in apex 

larger. 
Miss Hunt— without loop, but with notch in apex larger. 
Nellie fay nes (Painted Lady)— with slight loop and with 

notch in apex larger. 
Orange Prince— with slight loop, notch in apex larger. 
Princess Louise ( Violet Queen) — with slight loop and 

with notch in apex. 
Purple Prince— with slight loop and with notch in apex 

larger and elongated. 
Queen of England— without loop, but with notch in apex. 
Queen of the Isles— without loop, but with notch in apex 

larger. 
Red and White Striped— without loop, but with notch in 

apex larger. 
Rising Sun— with loop (slightly) and with notch in apex. 
\ The Queen— with loop, and notch in apex slightly larger. 
\ Vesuvius— with loop and with notch in apex. 



SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 



2 9 



i Countess of Shrewsbury— horn which sketch was made. 
Firefly — quite similar in size and form. 
Katherine Tracy — larger. 

Lady Beaconsfield— quite similar in size and form. 
Fig. 2 { Lemon Queen — more elongated. 
Meteor— slightly inclined to hood. 
Mrs. Gladstone— averaging slightly smaller. 
Novelty — more elongated. 
\ Peach Blossom— quite similar in size and form. 



Fig. 3 



I Blanche Ferry — quite similar in size and form. 
Extra Early Blanche Ferry. 
Duchess of York — considerably larger. 
Emily Henderson — considerably elongated. 
\ Little Dorritt — from which sketch was made. 
Primrose — not quite as broad. 
Princess Beatrice — rounder. 
^ Princess Victoria — rounder. 



Fig. 4 j Captivation — from which sketch was taken. 



Fig. 5 
and 
Fig. 6 



/ Blushing Beauty — will vary between the two. 

Celestial — will vary between the two. 

Countess of Aberdeen — represented by Figure 5. 

Countess of Radnor — varying between the two. 

Dorothy Lennant — varying between the two. 
/ Emily Eckford — varying between the two. 

Juanita — varying between the two. 

Prima Donna — represented by Figure 6. 

Princess May — varying between the two. 

Royal Robe — varying between the two. 
\ Venus — varying between the two and approaching Fig. 11. 



Fig. 7 



30 SWEET PEA REVIEW. 

(Captain of the Blues — more hooded laterally. 

Gaiety — intermediate between Figures 7 and 8, favoring 
Figure 7. 

Gray Friar — similar, but not quite so large. 

Her Majesty — between Figures 7 and 12, slightly more 
/ hooded. 

\ Lady Penzance — slightly more hooded. 

Lottie Eckford — more hooded. 

Lovely — subject of Figure. 

Monarch — between Figures 7 and 11. 

Splendor— between Figures 7 and 11. 
V Waver ly — between Figures 7 and n. 

/ Ignea — between Figures 8 and 9, not quite so large, 
p- I Mars — represented by Figure 9. 
and ' Mikado — represented by Figure 8. 
pj \ Mrs. Eckford— between Figures 6 and 9. 
Mrs. Sankey — between Figures 6 and 8. 
Ovid— between Figures 6 and 8. 

Apple Blossom — same as Figure. 
Duke of Clarence — between Figures 10 and 11. 
Fig. 10 \ Eliza Eckford— like Figure 10, slightly smaller. 
Princess of Wales — smaller and more hooded. 
Royal Rose — from which sketch was made. 

Blanche Burpee — between Figures 11 and 12. 

Captivation — from which sketch was made. 

Mrs. foseph Chamberlain — between Figures n and 12, 

not quite so much rolled as Figure 11. 
Ramona — between Figures 9 and 11. 
Senator — between Figures 11 and 12. 



Fig. 1 1 



Fig. 1 2 j Crown Jewel— from which sketch was made. 

Butterfly. ) — Come under an entirely distinct type. A rather 
Indigo King. ) smaller Fig. 7, with lateral margins sinuate — allow- 
ing that portion above the clefts to hood more, would perhaps 
fairly well represent their form. 



SUNSET SEED AND PLANT CO. 31 



DOUBLE SWEET PEAS. 

We believe all persons who have given the subject close atten- 
tion will agree with us that Double Sweet Peas are undesirable. 
In the four or more years that we have worked on the double 
type, we have had a score of varieties in hand which, it is true, 
showed some novel and pretty double forms of flower, but com- 
pared with our modern perfect type, even these lacked that 
charming simplicity which has made the dainty Sweet Pea what it 
is. Why, then, waste time trying to establish a disfigurement or, 
as some seed-firms have done, palm off stock that will not run ten 
per cent, true double. In our own experiments, we have obtained 
as high as forty per cent, in Lottie Eckford, Duke of York, Venus, 
Apple Blossom, Duke of Clarence, Lady Penzance and Senator, the 
year 1895 being especially productive of doubles; but carefully 
selected stocks of all of these have run less than fifteen per cent, 
the past season. We dare say this is the experience of other 
careful investigators; and, if so, let us drop further efforts in that 
direction and devote our energies to still further elevating rather 
than deteriorating this most deserving flower— the Sweet Pea! 



FOUR "DONT'S." 



e^* t&* 



DON'T ex P ect Sweet Peas to thrive in soil too poor for any 
===== other culture, or in a sunless location. They need, 
as nearly as possible, a free clay loam, moderately rich and freely 
cultivated. 

TV^ISJ'T sow too shallow. Plant the seeds not less than two 
— inches deep, and, as the plants become established, 
bank the soil against them, repeating this two or three times 
throughout the season. 

DON'T* over-feed. With a view to obtaining vigorous growth 
========== and profusion of bloom, bone, in some form, is the 

best fertilizer. Nitrate of soda will do for a "hurry-up" stimu- 
lant, should such be needed; but use it sparingly. 



■tn/"^-^^ gather the blooms grudgingly. The more you cut, 
========== the longer the vine will continue to flower. Remem- 
ber, when they go to seed, Sweet Peas will cease flowering. 



/ 







u 

LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



000 924 094 9 




"Red Riding-Hood" 

Introduced by 

Sunset Seed and Plant Co. 

San Francisco 



